As the only city on the entire island, Tagbilaran City serves as a central point for tourists going in and out of Bohol. Tourism continued to thrive in the island of Bohol, particularly after it was named the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines. The gateway to the many geological wonders, Tagbilaran City, holds some wonders of its own as well. There are a ton of notable Tagbilaran attractions worthy of your attention.

From beginner-friendly hiking trails to heritage homes that take you back in time, you can find all the best Tagbilaran tourist spots in this list.

Getting to the Top Tagbilaran Tourist Spots via Ferry

Book a Cebu to Tagbilaran trip with SuperCat fast craft ferry. Depart from the Pier 1 Cebu and arrive at the Tagbilaran City Port in just 2 hours.

SuperCat trips from Cebu to Tagbilaran are available daily. Check out the updated schedule for Tagbilaran here.

16 Exciting Tagbilaran Tourist Attractions You Must Visit

Historical Museums and Sites

• Blood Compact Monument

Bohol takes pride in its rich historical heritage. The Blood Compact Monument depicts the scene of the first treaty between the Philippines and Spain made on March 16, 1565 by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Rajah Sikatuna on the island. The treaty was validated through sandugo (blood compact). The bronze monument was created by Napoleon Abueva, a Boholano national artist, as a symbol of friendship in the early days of the Spanish era.

• National Museum – Bohol

One of the best Tagbilaran tourist spots is the National Museum in Bohol. It is located in the former provincial capitol building, and was inaugurated in 2018. The building itself is historical, but its transformation into a museum helped further preserve local heritage. There are three gallery exhibitions available:

• Pagpauli Gallery

This exhibit is dedicated to Napoleon Abueva, who created the Blood Compact Monument, and houses his later works.

• Pagbanhaw Gallery

The gallery commemorates the 2013 Bohol earthquake, which devastated a number of heritage buildings in the province. It also features Boholano art, architecture, and craftsmanship.

• Natural History of Bohol Gallery

This gallery houses several models of Bohol’s natural landscape and biodiversity, including local animals, artifacts, and plants.

• St. Joseph Cathedral

Locally known as the Tagbilaran Cathedral, this stunning church was built on one side of Plaza Rizal, across from the National Museum – Bohol. It was established by the Jesuit priests until it was taken over by Augustinian Recollects. Inside, you can find stunning murals on the walls and ceiling, a style reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. Its architecture and engravings are coupled with the magnificent bell tower, which stands tall as a reminder of the island’s rich past.

• Plaza Rizal

This is the very plaza that divides the National Museum and Tagbilaran Cathedral, connecting two of the most popular Tagbilaran tourist spots. It is considered a lively and safe park by the locals, making it popular for events, strolling, and even pigeon-feeding. You can buy popcorn from a nearby vendor to feed the pigeons if you wish. There are plenty of benches and a gazebo, perfect for a quick rest.

• Oasis Balili Heritage Lodge

Looking for a place to stay that also gives you a glimpse of the past? The Oasis Balili Heritage Lodge is one of the many ancestral homes in Tagbilaran City. It was converted into a hostel and is popular among tourists due to its location near the port. This well-preserved home features a lovely garden with fruit trees, plants, and even a friendly cat. Book a stay in advance so you can visit nearby Tagbilaran tourist attractions.

Spots With a Scenic View

• Caingget Beach

If you want to live like a local, visit Caingget Beach, one of the low-key Tagbilaran tourist spots. It is ideal for those who want to indulge in seafood and drinks, such as the bahalia (wine mixed with soft drinks). The beach itself is laid-back but a little rocky. Although it is not ideal for swimming, you can relax and dine while watching ships and smaller boats pass by.

• Dauis Bridge

This bridge connects the city to the island of Panglao, another rising destination next to Tagbilaran tourist attractions. Come here if you are a fan of catching the perfect seaside sunset view in a photograph. 

• Manga Fish Port

This once-abandoned fish port is still popular among locals and tourists for its sunset views and boathouse, which you can rent for a couple of hours. Visitors craving seafood can purchase it fresh from the nearby new Tagbilaran City Fish Port.

• Mangrove Boardwalk

This mangrove sanctuary is part of Bohol Sunset Villa, a hotel resort in Taloto district where you can spend the night or celebrate special occasions. This stunning boardwalk takes you through a hypnotizing mangrove  corridor that ends in a view of the Bohol sea. The boardwalk is only open to in-house guests, so if you plan to stay here, you can enjoy a scenic nature walk.

Mangrove forests and nature reserves are some of the popular Tagbilaran attractions, which is a big help to boost conservation efforts in the province.

Engaging Activities and Souvenirs

•  Dalareich Chocolate House

Chocolate Hills or a chocolate factory? Why not both? The Dalareich Chocolate House is one of the popular Tagbilaran tourist spots for sweet souvenirs. Opened in 2017 by the Polot family and their daughter, Dalareich, this place is proud of their homegrown cacao products, which you can purchase at their 2nd floor showroom. Find them along Bukid Drive, Booy, Tagbilaran City.

•  Banat-i Hill

Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate Banat-i Hill, an easy hike that is both a local favorite and one of the Tagbilaran attractions. This hill is around 146 meters above sea level. Traverse concrete paths and rough roads to reach the top of the hill, experiencing a scenic sea and sunset view. From here, you can see as far as Panglao Island, Baclayon, and the Bohol Sea.

•  Bohol Blades

If you are looking for some unique Tagbilaran attractions, this one’s for you. Bohol Blades was founded by artisan and former university professor Sid Cempron, offering pinuti, a type of Visayan blade intended for agricultural use. You can get your very own blades specially crafted from carabao horn, local rosewood, and steel. The best part? Each blade is customized and no two blades are the same. 

Bonus: Famous Tourist Attractions Near Tagbilaran City

•  Baclayon Church

In Tagbilaran’s neighboring town, Baclayon, this church holds a lot of history within its walls. Baclayon Church is said to be the second oldest stone church in the Philippines. The church was built from coral stone and eggs, under instruction by the Jesuits in 1717 and completed by the Augustinians in 1727.

It was severely damaged during the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in 2013. After years of repair, it was reopened to the public in 2018.

•  Baclayon Baluarte Light Beacon

Witness the immaculate ocean view right in front of the Baclayon Church. The Baluarte is an ideal place for jogging, walking, or even Zumba activities. You won’t have to worry about getting hungry thanks to the nearby food stalls. This amazing hangout and photo spot is a great place to end your trip after all the Tagbilaran tourist attractions. 

•  Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Around 14 km from Tagbilaran, in the nearby municipality of Corella, this 167-hectare reserve functions as a natural habitat of the Philippine tarsier and other types of animals. It is sponsored by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. With a  50 pesos entrance fee, you can experience a short tour of the place and see these tiny primates up close.

•  Panglao Island

This island getaway is just a stone’s throw from the top Tagbilaran tourist attractions. Cross the Dauis Bridge to get to Panglao Island, where you can find the Bohol Bee Farm, dip your toes in the sand of breathtaking beaches and caves, experience thrilling cliff dives, or go laid-back by snorkeling with the corals.

Tour packages offer dolphin watching and island hopping in places such as Balicasag Island, the marine sanctuary, Virgin island, and the like. 

 

Best Time to Visit Tagbilaran Attractions

The best time to visit Tagbilaran is during the dry season from December to May. Note that the summer months of April and May are hotter, which might not be ideal for some.

Tagbilaran City is more than just the doorway to Bohol. Present tourism efforts are dedicated to its abundant history, which serves as an essential introduction to the vivid background of Bohol. 

ALSO READ: Your Complete Guide to Scuba Diving in Bohol Philippines

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